PRECOMBUSTION REMOVAL OF CARBON-DIOXIDE FROM NATURAL-GAS POWER-PLANTS AND THE TRANSITION TO HYDROGEN ENERGY-SYSTEMS

A system to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from combustion power plants is described. Unlike earlier proposals based on flue gas treatment, the problem is addressed prior to combustion by reforming the hydrocarbon fuel into H-2 and CO2. Following separation, H-2 is burned in place of the original fuel and the captured CO2 is liquefied and injected into the deep ocean at a depth sufficient to ensure effective containment, and to minimize damage to the marine environment. Calculations indicate moderate plant thermal efficiency and power cost penalties. In addition, the H-2 production potential of this system may be exploited as a means to facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to future hydrogen energy systems.